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Senate Judiciary Committee advances SB24 after amendment, votes 5–2 to send bill forward
Summary
The Senate Judiciary Committee amended and voted to advance SB24, a measure that removes a general duty to retreat in many self‑defense situations. Supporters said the bill clarifies Arkansas law; opponents warned of increased violence and unequal application. The committee recorded a 5–2 roll call and sent the measure out of committee.
The Senate Judiciary Committee advanced Senate Bill 24 (SB24) after adopting an amendment and voting 5–2 to pass the bill out of committee.
Senator Ballinger, the bill’s sponsor, told the committee SB24 removes the statutory duty to retreat in most situations and inserts language making the code consistent about "physical force." Ballinger said the change would bring Arkansas in line with other states that do not impose a duty to retreat and that he worked with prosecutors and law‑enforcement groups to clarify exceptions for felon‑in‑possession and gang activity. "We worked real diligently with the prosecutor association, so they're neutral on this bill," Ballinger said during the presentation.
Matt Harriman, state director for the National Rifle Association, testified in support and urged the committee to vote for the measure.…
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